The LV (Travel) Guide: Napa + Sonoma
For our summer getaway, Patrick and I headed out west to sunny California! We explored everywhere around from Mendocino to Bodega Bay on the coast and through the Alexander, Anderson, Napa, and Sonoma Valleys…it was an incredible trip! Napa and Sonoma are of course known for their vineyards, and y’all know how much I love a glass of wine! We explored the rolling hills of the wineries, celebrated National Tequila Day with delicious margaritas, walked beneath the towering redwoods, and ate some of the most delicious food I’ve ever eaten…scroll down for more on that!
It was so rejuvenating to get out and explore that I wanted to share some of my favorite places we discovered in Northern California!
Stay
The Harbor House Inn
I couldn’t get enough of the incredible ambiance! This gorgeous inn was nestled right along the Pacific coast where we got to hang out under the fog and watch the tide come in. It was the most gorgeous cabin in the woods! Harbor House doubles under my Food section as well….I especially love the organic details on their thoughtful and delicious dishes, like ferns and flowers! And the best piece of bread I’ve ever had lives in their restaurant. I ate their decadent dessert and drank wildflower-infused tea…but only after I dipped those flowers into honey to swirl around and sweeten it. And we finished each evening with a glass of wine by the fire. I mean, c’mon y’all! I could’ve stayed here forever. Follow The Harbor House Inn here!
Food
Long Meadow Ranch
When we take a trip, we treat ourselves to the most delicious food we can find. And Long Meadow Ranch didn’t let us down! From fresh artichokes to savory biscuits to delectable prosciutto…we were here for all of it. Follow Long Meadow Ranch here!
The Restaurant at Meadowood
Meadowood was one of the first restaurants we went to once we got to California and it was such a great way to kick off our trip! The food was incredible and the attention to detail was so thoughtful. Their dishes were creative and so much fun to eat…we can’t wait to go back! Follow The Restaurant at Meadowood here!
Two Dog Night Creamery
I’m not exaggerating when I say this is the best ice cream of my life. And with vegan options, there’s something for everyone at this farm to cone ice cream shop. So creamy and decadent…I wanted a bite of each flavor! Follow Two Dog Night Creamery here!
PRESs Restaurant
They offer incredibly flavorful cuisine and I enjoyed just a casual scoop of nectarine ice cream with onion glaze and tortilla streusel for dessert. Spoiler: It was anything but casual! Follow PRESS Restaurant here!
Shop
Bon Ton Studio
This shop is just too cute! The thoughtfully curated collection of goods from around the world are timeless pieces featuring elegant and natural designs. And I wanted one of everything! Follow Bon Ton Studio here!
Carter and Co
The shops in St. Helena were adorable! I absolutely love Carter and Co’s aesthetic. And their pottery is so beautiful and thoughtfully crafted! Follow Carter and Co here!
Douglas Walker
I love Douglas Walker t-shirts…so much so that I have two! The one pictured on his Instagram account and one with my favorite word: Aloha! They’re handcrafted and proceeds go to ExtraFood.org to help end hunger in Marin County, CA. Follow Douglas Walker here!
Bosworth & Son Store
I’m a Texas girl at heart, so y’all know I had to stop by and check out this shop’s Stetson collection. I walked away with a gorgeous modified Cattleman which is perfect for my petite head. Pro Tip: Never buy a hat out of the box…you need an expert to custom shape the crown and brim to your preferences! Follow Bosworth & Son Store here!
California Sister Floral Design + supply
This is the most beautiful flower shop ever! I loved being enveloped by the fresh florals and gorgeous blooms…it was like walking through a wildflower field! And I picked up a luxe and relaxing assortment of bath salts and soaks from URB Apothecary and Wild Yonder Botanicals. Follow California Sister here!
Farmhouse Mercantile
This was the cutest shop in Boonville, CA…I especially loved their vibrant and vintage ribbon display! I love checking out local mercs…they’re always filled with the most interesting things and the friendliest people.
See
The redwoods
Have you stood beneath a redwood tree? I’ve never felt shorter in my life! The air in the redwood forest is really refreshing and just feels different…it’s so humbling and relaxing to walk beneath these trees.
Scary Sightseeing
Who doesn’t love tracking down some movie magic locations? We drove from Sonoma out to Bodega Bay, on the coast, and found the super creepy house where Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds was filmed!
Hike the Bay Ridge Trail
We love to get out and hike around when we can! It’s such a great way to check out a new place and see all the little features that make it so special. And California has some of the best hiking around.
Highway 1
No trip to California is complete without driving at least a portion of Highway 1! This winding road takes you along the California coast…the vistas of the Pacific Ocean with its rocky cliffs and foggy views are just breathtaking. Being out west was such a breath of fresh air…we can’t wait to go back!
